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Year 5 take up the challenge to maintain the school grounds

Posted: 14th March 2018
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Woodland Explorers, Year 5

On a cool but dry Friday morning our two Year 5 classes donned their coats and wellies, collected their spades, trowels, compost and all kinds of bug-loving items and were challenged to help maintain the school grounds.

The all-day project allowed the pupils to take responsibility for their school environment whilst working collaboratively and most importantly having so much fun.

Under the close supervision of four enthusiastic adults - David Leggett, Jackie Parker, Chris Walker and Michelle Rocchiccioli - three physical challenges were laid down for each group to tackle.

We started the day with a walk around the grounds and asked the pupils to make notes of ideas for future projects.

One activity included the maintenance of the school planters and renewal of flowers and seeds for spring blooms. We definitely have a budding Alan Titchmarsh or two as you can see from the photos.

On to architecture, building planning and design for the littlest occupants of Skippers - the bugs. Each group planned, designed and built a floor of the bug hotel including a penthouse on the top floor. Occupants were seen flocking to the new facility (two slugs and three worms!) and bookings are currently being taken. Thanks to all our families who provided practical and imaginative items to furnish it.

Finally, Chris and Michelle supported the groups to clear up and maintain our mountain bike trail in the woods, as well as looking at other potential areas for more projects.

Lunch was provided around the campfire with a hearty meal of chilli and jacket potato supplied by Wendy (thank you) and, of course, marshmallows cooked on the fire along with some entertaining singing.

To complete the day, the pupils were asked to draw a site plan of the grounds which, we hope, can be used by our younger pupils when they are on their Woodland Explorer projects.

A jam-packed day full of learning, hard work and fun. Thanks must go to the few Year 7 and 8s who were there to help and support and to David, Chris, Michelle and Jackie who managed to keep the pupils working and enthusiastic to the end.